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Daydream Island Announces Major $50 million Redevelopment

by Client News

Daydream Island Resort and Spa’s owners China Capital Investment Group (CCIG) has announced a more than $50-million-dollar redevelopment which will see significant infrastructure upgrades to the popular Whitsunday tropical island resort.

The works will see the resort closing in early 2018 for a period of time to ensure renovations can occur in the shortest possible time and with minimal disruptions.

Daydream Island Resort and Spa general manager Dawson Tang said the major redevelopment would see accommodation refurbishments as well as renovations to existing attractions and installation of new features which will transform Daydream into an upscale 4½ star world-class resort.

“This is a very exciting development in the history of Daydream Island and for The Whitsundays,” Mr Tang said.

“Our owners have recognised the need to revamp Daydream’s facilities especially as we embark on a greater push into international markets including the lucrative China market.

“Prior to commencing the redevelopment in 2018 it will be very much business as usual this coming year.

“With well-over 100,000 guests staying on Daydream Island each year we recognise the need to continuously improve our product and we will be improving the guest experience based on recent feedback right up until the redevelopment.”

“As Australia’s Famous Reef Island we will continue to deliver a unique connection through our Whitsunday location and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, our fringing coral reef and the Living Reef on-island experience.”

Major works will include redevelopment of the Arrivals pavilion, Reception, main Atrium area, Waterfalls restaurant, Lagoons bar, all room types and Mermaids Restaurant. Additionally, the Lovers Cove function area will be expanded and a new Asian inspired restaurant will be built.

One of Daydream Island’s signature attractions, the Living Reef lagoons, will also be upgraded and receive some brand new features which will enhance interaction with guests.

The resort’s conference facilities will be significantly revamped and expanded.

To ensure minimal disruption to guests, some strategic projects will be implemented in 2017 on the South End of the island.  Fish Bowl bistro, Boat House Bakery and Ginger’s Hut will be closed for a period from the first week in February this year. Alternative food and dining facilities will be provided. Access to South End facilities including swimming pools, the outdoor cinema, motorised watersports and the Endeavour Wedding Chapel will not be affected.

CCIG purchased Daydream Island in March 2015 and has since completed many accommodation and facility upgrades and refurbishments plus a renovation to the resort’s main restaurant, Mermaids.

Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the 4.5 star Daydream Island Resort and Spa offers 296 beautifully appointed rooms, comprehensive facilities such as the Rejuvenation Spa and Living Reef lagoon, a wide variety of activities, sparkling bays and secluded beaches, which all combine to provide a superior tropical island experience.

For more information on Daydream Island visit www.daydreamisland.com


AirAsia X Unveils 9th Birthday Special Livery

by Client News

 

AirAsia X has celebrated its 9th birthday with the arrival this morning on the Gold Coast of Flight D7 206 from Kuala Lumpur featuring a special 9th birthday livery dedicated to its guests and staff.

Since its first flight in November 2007, AirAsia X has flown nearly 1.6 million passengers between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast. The airline was the first low cost long haul airline to fly between Malaysia and Australia and introduce innovations such as premium flatbeds and a Quiet Zone, reserved for passengers aged over 10 years of age.

AirAsia is celebrating 9 years in Australia with special one-way fares for two people to Kuala Lumpur from Gold Coast from $369*; from Melbourne and Sydney from $349*; and from Perth from $188*.

The fares are available for booking from now until sold out with the fares valid for travel from now until 5 February 2017. Bookings to www.airasia.com

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AirAsia X has 11 frequencies weekly between the Gold Coast and Kuala Lumpur and in March commenced a daily service between the Gold Coast and Auckland, New Zealand.

Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X Berhad said, “We have expanded our operations rapidly since our humble beginning in 2007. We are now covering 23 destinations across four continents and grown our fleet to 30 Airbus A330s with over 19 million guests flown, and we’ve done it all within a decade.

“This is definitely no mean feat and we couldn’t have done it without the dedication of our Allstars and the unwavering support from our loyal guests.

“To top it all off, we’ve even commissioned an aircraft with a special anniversary livery dedicated for our guests and Allstars, as they are both the driving force behind the airline.

“The past nine years have not been without its challenges for AirAsia X, but I believe that we have been through the worst and are now reaping what we have sowed from our on-going turnaround initiatives. “Returning to the black for three consecutive quarters is just a start; with solid hard work by the team and every Allstar we are confident to achieve full-year profit and take the airline to greater heights. “Special thanks go to our business partners, airport authorities, and tourism bodies who believed in us and supported us in our journey, including our AirAsia X Allstars who have made this dream possible,” Mr Ismail added.

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Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said,” Gold Coast Airport and AirAsia X play an important part in each other’s history. The Kuala Lumpur – Gold Coast route was the airline’s first ever service and AirAsia X was Gold Coast Airport’s first long-haul international carrier to Asia when they commenced in 2007.

“AirAsia X’s entry into the Australian market has proved to be a game-changer in affordability of international air travel, and we are delighted to have played a part in their success. Queensland Airports Limited own and operate Gold Coast Airport. AirAsia X has increased many flight frequencies in 2016. From Australia AirAsia X flies daily to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from Perth (14 flights per week) Sydney (11 flights per week), Melbourne (14 flights per week), and Gold Coast (11 flights per week).

AirAsia X started its operation in 2007 with its maiden flight to Gold Coast, Australia on 2 November. Since then the airline has grown exponentially, having carried over 19 million guests in total. With this milestone, 9 guests from 9 countries within the network were invited to share their incredible travel experiences. Check it out here at http://bit.ly/2eRuyAv.

*Terms and conditions apply. Fares include airport taxes and surcharges. Limited availability, until sold out. Selected travel periods apply. Processing Fee of up to AU$10 may apply. Fee may not apply if you use PayPal. Booking valid until 6 November 2016. Available when booking for two people. 

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The Bachelor Australia’s Richie Strahan Laps Up AirAsia X Flatbed

by Client News

The Bachelor Australia’s Richie Strahan has travelled in style to Bali in his quest for love as this season’s finale of the hit Network Ten television production reaches its peak.

The latest instalment of The Bachelor Australia series saw Richie and the final three girls, Olena, Nikki and Alex fly to tropical Bali on finale week, as he chooses one lucky lady in his search for love.

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AirAsia X flew the cast and production crew to Bali aboard an Airbus A330 where Richie was able to enjoy the comforts of a premium flatbed seat before they hit Bali for filming at a resort in Nusa Dua, Bali.

Linda Na, head of marketing for AirAsia in Australia, said the airline was delighted to be involved in the finale of the series.

“This has been the highest rating series yet and features one of our most popular destinations in Bali, and hence it was a natural fit for us,” Ms Na said.

“Aussies are still very much in love with Bali and we certainly hope Richie has found his true love. 

“The visual integration into the show and the opportunity to host Richie and the girls onboard has been a great alignment for the AirAsia brand in Australia.”

AirAsia X, together with AirAsia, provides Australians with low cost fares and access to over 120 destinations across 24 countries. AirAsia flies to Bali direct from Perth and Darwin, and via Kuala Lumpur from the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sydney. For bookings or further information visit www.airasia.com.

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Check out The Bachelor on tenplay http://tenplay.com.au/channel-ten/the-bachelor?psearch=Google_The_Bachelor

5 Social Media Tips For Tourism

by Blog

If you’re in the tourism industry and looking to enhance or begin your social media and online presence, then there’s some key considerations to think through and some planning required. Have a look at what other successful businesses are doing and learn from their efforts. seeaustralia Think about what types of online media your audience is likely to use. Is it Snapchat, Facebook or Twitter? Or something else? And don’t forget about TripAdvisor. Many consumers rely on online reviews for their decision making. Peer influence is very important in the process. Over 50% of Facebook users say their friends’ photos have inspired their choice of holiday and shaped their travel plans. Here are five key considerations to shape your tourism social media efforts: 1. Be informative Your goal should be to become an authority on your region and its attractions. Avoid the temptation to simply plug your own business at every opportunity. You will win a loyal following if you’re able to provide a regular flow of useable information that provides advice and tips for visitors. Provide accurate updates on local happenings and interesting events, new tourism product, travel conditions and yes, even the weather. Suggest a list of key things to visit, great photo spots, provide maps and amazing photos.

If you employ an imaginative and informative content strategy it will help in SEO and have your business rank more highly on search results. If you give potential visitors value in terms of superior content, they are more likely to have a connection with your brand. 2. Be authentic Be real and believable. The effect of ‘gilding the lily’ can be a loss of confidence in your business by visitors and result in negative online reviews and an erosion of trust with your audience. Show what the experience is that visitors can truly expect – accommodation, activities, scenery, food and most importantly the character and characters around you. A rising tide floats all boats, so the more you can accurately enhance the profile of your region the better for you. There’s not a finite amount of success available. 3. Involve your audience Social media is very much a two-way street. Interact with and have a conversation with your online community. Ask questions, ask for feedback and invite them to contribute content. You’ll be amazed at how many gorgeous photos, stories and experiences can be shared from your own visitors.

 

Feeding time at Lovers Cove 🐠🐟💦 #fishfeeding #daydreamisland #lovewhitsundays #thisisqueensland 📷@dream.living

A photo posted by Daydream Island Resort And Spa (@daydreamislandresortandspa) on

They’ll give you honest feedback and recommendations. Thank them for their reviews and don’t ignore their communication – good, bad or otherwise. Consider what competitions, promotions or incentives you can run on your platforms, big or small. Encourage guests to tag your accounts on their posts on their own pages. 4. Employ a content marketing strategy A lot of great content doesn’t happen by accident. Much of it is planned and thought out. A simple but effective tool is to utilise a content marketing strategy and it can be as simple as using a calendar. This can be a spreadsheet, online doc, or paper diary.

  • What advice pieces can we create?
  • Consider the time of year e.g. Christmas, Easter or school holidays
  • List local events we can post about
  • Look at seasonal opportunities
  • Are we running any promotions for specific booking periods?
  • Look at a theme for a certain period – e.g. to coincide with Mothers’ Day, or a local food festival.

Once you start its pretty easy to brainstorm a whole list of topics and specific pieces that can form your content platform. You will also need to consider what medium it’s best for – your website, blog, newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, local or national media, or all of these. Don’t forget to include video. It’s one of the most powerful forms of delivery and all platforms are embracing it. Your videos don’t need to be long or elaborately produced productions. Once you’ve got a calendar settled it will help drive your activity and keep you focused and motivated. It needs to be flexible but with a bit of effort should help fuel your content creation. Here’s an example of what a calendar may look like: tourism Source: Webbedfeet.com.au 5. Post regularly across all channels Don’t allow your content or online presence to wither on the vine. Post regularly across all your social and online assets. It doesn’t need to be every day for each medium but you should feature regularly and make sure you are responding to messages and thanking your community for their involvement. They will like being appreciated. And, don’t forget to share… https://youtu.be/V3OJkky52c0  

Australia’s Famous Reef Island Brings Their Brand Refresh To Life

by Client News

Daydream Island has unveiled a new website to lead their brand refresh as it undergoes a transformation by owners China Capital Investment Group. The resort’s brand direction places even more emphasis on one of Australia’s most unique interactive attractions, the Living Reef — a 1.5-million-litre, free-form coral lagoon system that courses through the resort. daydream A wide variety of Great Barrier Reef experiences also underpin the new direction that focuses on Daydream’s extraordinary position as a pristine jewel in the Whitsunday Passage. Daydream Island Chief Executive Officer, Scott Wilkinson, said that Daydream’s rich natural habitat, with abundant reef activities both on and off the island, was well positioned to provide guests with a unique tropical island and reef experience. “We have advantages in being an island with a high concentration of Australian marine and land wildlife and activities,” Mr Wilkinson said. “The condition of Daydream’s fringing reef is regarded as one of the healthiest and best in the region and we are passionate and committed to sharing all of our natural assets and making it easy for visitors to share in the experience and learn. “Being a small island for guests means that everything is easy to get to, safe, intimate, personal, and provides a welcoming environment.” The Living Reef attraction is constantly evolving, with Daydream Island investing further in its development for the benefit of guests and their interactions with marine life. The Living Reef north and south coral lagoons allow guests learn about — and encounter at close range — the fascinating inhabitants of the Great Barrier Reef. Home to more than 140 species of marine fish, 82 species of coral and 15 species of invertebrates such as starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs, new varieties of sea life are continually being uncovered here. daydream Daydream Island’s director of sales and marketing, Jane Hermann, said, “We’ve looked to create a brand expression that uniquely positions and differentiates us, especially as we move forward with a greater focus on international markets. “As Australia’s Famous Reef Island we deliver a unique connection through our Whitsunday location and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, our fringing coral reef surrounding Daydream and the Living Reef on-island experience. “We will be utilising all the benefits that new technology can deliver for us in complementing these attractions. “The new website brings all this to life, showcasing the range of Living Reef, fringing coral reef and Great Barrier Reef experiences and tours. “We’re the little island that offers the most potent combination of reef and natural experiences.” Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the 4.5-star Daydream Island Resort and Spa offers 296 luxurious rooms and suites, comprehensive facilities such as the Rejuvenation Spa and Living Reef lagoon, a wide variety of activities, sparkling bays and secluded beaches, which all combine to provide a superior tropical island experience. For more information visit www.daydreamisland.com

Rocky Mountains Tour & Alaska Cruise

by Client News

Cruise1st has released a fantastic value 17-night fly, stay, tour and cruise holiday in Alaska and the Rocky Mountains from $4,299* per person twin share. Departing on May 20, 2017, travellers will fly to Calgary in Canada where they will spend a night in the ‘Heart of the New West’. The next day you will commence an eight-day coach tour of Western Canada & the Rocky Mountains. Highlights include Calgary, home of the famous annual stampede; Banff and beautiful Lake Louise; the dramatic scenery of Kamloops and Whistler before arriving into the coastal gem of Vancouver, where you will get to explore this picturesque city, known as the ‘jewel’ of North America’s Pacific Coast. On May 28, 2017, travellers will be transferred to the port to board Celebrity’s five-star rated ship Celebrity Infinity for a 7-night cruise of Alaska and the Inside Passage. Port stops include Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Alaska’s capital Juneau, and the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ Ketchikan before returning to Vancouver. See tranquil fishing villages; wildlife including brown bears, eagles, moose and humpback whales; dramatic glaciers, icebergs and spring wildflowers. alaska Luxurious and comfortable, Celebrity Infinity features Broadway-style shows at the Infinity theatre, while children of all ages can find various activities to enjoy plus numerous pools, whirlpools and much more. At night, sample one of Celebrity Infinity’s four cocktail bars and lounges, or take a chance in Fortunes Casino. Your return flight to Australia departs Vancouver 4th June, following the cruise. For more information call 1300 596 345 or visit www.cruise1st.com.au. *Subject to availability. Restrictions may apply. Prices are per person, twin share based on an inside stateroom. Prices and specified hotel subject to change at any time. Prices per person twin share, inside stateroom 

From Sydney From $4,299*
From Melbourne From $4,299*
From Brisbane From $4,349*
From Adelaide From $4,499*
From Canberra From $4,599*
From Perth From $4,899*

AirAsia X Increases Flight Frequencies

by Client News

AirAsia X has announced an increase in frequencies to eight destinations including Melbourne, Sydney and Perth in Australia. In the next few months, flight frequencies will be increased between Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Melbourne (to 14x weekly flights), Sydney (to 11x weekly) and Perth (to 14x weekly). They join increases to Osaka (to 9x weekly), Sapporo (to 5x weekly), Beijing (to 11x weekly), Shanghai (to 11x weekly) and Taipei (to 14x weekly) from Kuala Lumpur. For detailed flight schedules and more information, please log on to airasia.com. To coincide with the increase in frequencies AirAsia has launched a sale for all AirAsia X flights (flight code D7) with low fares available to Kuala Lumpur from Perth from $149*, Melbourne from $239*, Sydney from $249*, and Gold Coast from $269*. Fares between Auckland and Gold Coast are on sale from NZ$119* and from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur priced from NZ$329*. AirAsia X’s award-winning Premium Flatbeds are also on sale to Kuala Lumpur from Perth from $469* and Melbourne, Sydney and Gold Coast from $699*. Premium Flatbed fares between Auckland and Gold Coast are on sale from NZ$250* and from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur priced from NZ$799*. The travel period is from now until 24 November 2016. For all bookings and additional sale fares please log on to airasia.com. For bookings or further information visit www.airasia.com Flights and fares are subject to availability. Auckland Arik Kumar De, Head of Commercial for AirAsia X Berhad said, “As the pioneer for low cost long-haul travel, we are pleased to offer our guests greater value with additional flight options to selected destinations. Our guests can now enjoy more flexibility in their travel plans for the coming few months through the added flight frequencies which will be an added convenience factor.” Travellers can also log onto AirAsia’s one-stop travel portal at AirAsiaGo.com which offers a range of more than 80,000 three-star, five-star and boutique hotels to choose from. *Flights and fares are subject to availability. Availability of connecting flights are subject to timings of the individual flights. Seats are limited and not available on all flights/days or at peak periods. Fares include airport taxes & surcharges. Processing fee is applicable for online bookings made by credit, debit or charge card. Processing fee does not apply to Australian customers paying with PayPal. Fees apply for checked baggage except on Business Class Flat Bed fares. Other terms and conditions apply. Booking period 25 April 2016 – 8 May 2016 or until sold out. Travel period 26 April 2016 to 24 November 2016. Lowest possible sale fares are one-way online at airasia.com. Next best possible fare available via phone with additional $25 service fee. All amounts are in Australian dollars unless stated otherwise.

AirAsia X Now Connects Gold Coast to Auckland

by Client News

Inaugural Flight Sale Gold Coast to New Zealand from AUD$129*

Gold Coast, Australia. 23 March 2016 – AirAsia X has commenced its daily flight service between the Gold Coast and Auckland, New Zealand, this morning with the arrival of flight D7206 from Kuala Lumpur into Gold Coast Airport, which then departed for Auckland.

The inaugural flight to Auckland had a healthy load factor of 95 per cent. Departing passengers were greeted and presented with gifts by Surf Life Saving volunteers in the terminal.

To celebrate this new route AirAsia X has commenced an online sale that will run until 3 April 2016 or until sold out. Guests can find incredible low fares available for a limited time only, starting as low as AUD$129* one-way to Auckland. Bookings can be made at www.airasia.com.

The travel period for the promotional seats is from 25 March 2016 to 22 May 2017.

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AirAsia X flight D7206 departs Gold Coast for Auckland, New Zealand.

AirAsia X’s popular Premium flatbed seats are also on sale from AUD$349* one-way.

AirAsia X’s daily flights between Gold Coast and Auckland depart Gold Coast at 9.05am each day, arriving in Auckland at 3.30pm local time.

AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said, “This service provides a compelling alternative for Gold Coasters looking to travel to New Zealand and will also augment the inbound tourism opportunities for the Gold Coast.

“We’re very pleased with the number of our Asian guests travelling via the Gold Coast to New Zealand. Both the Gold Coast and New Zealand are world class destinations and much in demand from our guests across ASEAN.”

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Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer, Marion Charlton, says, “AirAsia X has been a valued airline partner at Gold Coast Airport since commencing direct services to Kuala Lumpur in 2007.

“We look forward to working with AirAsia X to ensure the long-term success of this new Auckland service.”

An Airbus A330-300 aircraft operates the route with a seating capacity of 377. The configuration will be AirAsia X’s standard configuration of 365 economy seats and 12 Premium flatbed seats.

AirAsia X was named the World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Seat and the World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Cabin titles at the 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards. The AirAsia Group also received its seventh consecutive year title as the World’s Best and Asia’s Best Low Cost Airline at the awards.

For bookings or further information visit www.airasia.com  Flights and fares are subject to availability.

*Flights and fares are subject to availability. Booking period 23 March 2016 – 3 April 2016, or until sold out. Travel period 25 March 2016 – 22 May 2017. Seats are limited and not available on all flights/days or at peak periods. Fares are for one-way travel, hand luggage only and fully inclusive of all taxes and charges. Fees apply for checked baggage. Business Class fares come with complimentary services as advertised on airasia.com. Lowest fares available online at airasia.com. No processing fees are applicable for online bookings made with PayPal. Next best possible fare available via phone with additional $25 service fee. All amounts are in Australian dollars unless stated otherwise. See airasia.com for full details and Conditions of Carriage.

The Wonders Beneath Daydream Island

by Client News

Daydream Island Resort and Spa’s resident marine biologist and Living Reef manager, John Gaskell, is so impressed by the diversity of marine life found around Daydream Island that he decided to document it in a new book, Beneath Daydream Island.

Daydream is located just off Queensland’s Whitsunday Coast and only a two-hour boat ride from the heart of the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef.

Mr Gaskell said that Daydream has a rich diversity of marine life immediately off the island supported by a complex fringing reef habitat.

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“You can view much of this by simply snorkeling around the island or by scuba diving,” Mr Gaskell said.

“If you’re experienced then a night dive reveals a whole other world of animals and colour.

“The fringing reef off Daydream is one of the healthiest ecosystems in the Whitsundays.”

There is a combination of tropical species found throughout the inshore and outer reefs and a diversity of life comparable to some of the densest Australian marine habitats.

From tiny coral polyps to seasonal humpback whale visits, most major marine animal groups are represented here. This includes corals, reef fishes, sea turtles, crabs, shrimps, octopuses, sea stars, sharks and rays.

Some of the amazing marine animals to be found include sea snails, sea jellies, marine worms, sea cucumbers, surf parrotfish, honeycomb cod, and everyone’s favourite, red and black anemonefish – commonly known as clownfish.

“One of the more spectacular events we’ve witnessed here at Daydream is the coral spawning which occurs each year in late spring at night, roughly four days after a full moon,” Mr Gaskell said.

“The stony corals around Daydream have such a high density which makes for a spectacular sight. The spawning can be compared to a silent underwater snowstorm where millions of pink, yellow and white specks rise slowly to the surface.”

Mr Gaskell took all the images in the book during his many diving and snorkeling trips around the island.

“This book was produced in the hope that many others will be inspired to experience Daydream Island’s wonders first hand,” he said.

Beneath Daydream Island can be purchased at any retail outlet on Daydream Island for $20.

For more information on Daydream Island Resort and Spa visit www.daydreamisland.com

Cruise1st: Hawaii To Sydney Adventure Cruise

by Client News

Sail from Hawaii to Sydney exploring idyllic Tahiti & French Polynesian islands and New Zealand along the way with a 19-night Cruise1st fly, stay and cruise deal.

Departing September 19, 2016, the package includes a flight to Honolulu and one night of pre-cruise accommodation before boarding Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas for an 18-night cruise.

The cruise stops in Papeete, Moorea and Bora Bora in Tahiti, French Polynesia; and Wellington and Picton in New Zealand.

Departures from Sydney are from $3599* per person twin share and include $100 of on board credit per cabin as well as onboard gratuities.

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Radiance of the Seas offers a cruising experience like no other, with panoramic vistas, sleek surrounds and a range of dining and entertainment options.

There is a nine-storey central atrium; floor to ceiling windows; casual and formal dining options including a Brazilian steakhouse, Italian restaurant and sushi; three pools; fitness centre; rock climbing wall; mini golf; basketball court; jogging track; video game arcade; Royal Babies and Tots nursery; theatre; casino; clubs; lounges; duty free shopping and a teen lounge area and disco.

For more information call 1300 596 345 or visit www.cruise1st.com.au.

*Subject to availability. Restrictions may apply. Prices are per person, twin share based on an inside stateroom. Prices and specified hotels subject to change at any time.